Which statement about stretching in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is true?

• A. Stretching is recommended 1 day per week
• B. Stretching is recommended 4-6 days per week
• C. Stretching is recommended 2-3 days per week
• D. Stretching is optional

Answer: (B)

Regular, gentle stretching is used in Duchenne muscular dystrophy to slow the development of contractures and keep joints as mobile as possible as muscles progressively weaken. Because the condition leads to progressive shortening of muscles and soft tissues, maintaining length through consistent ROM work helps preserve function and comfort over time.

The best choice reflects a near-daily approach: stretching four to six days a week provides steady, ongoing maintenance of flexibility and prevents rapid loss of ROM. This frequency aligns with standard rehab practice, aiming to counteract the ongoing risk of contracture formation without requiring strenuous or excessive sessions. Stretching only once a week or a few days isn’t enough to counteract the continual shortening, and labeling stretching as optional ignores an important part of managing the condition. Always approach stretching with gentle, low-load, long-duration holds and avoid forcing any movement beyond comfortable ROM, ideally under professional guidance.